Last spring frost
Mar 26
Frost Dates for Arkadelphia, AR
First fall frost
Nov 4
Growing season
225 days
In an average year around Arkadelphia, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 4, giving roughly a 225-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 6 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 6 | Mar 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 26 | Mar 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 11 | Feb 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 27 | Jan 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Jan 31 |
| 20°F | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 11 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Dec 30 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 4 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 28 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 7 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Arkadelphia 2 N, Ar, about 1.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 196 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Arkadelphia, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Arkadelphia, AR is about Mar 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Arkadelphia, AR typically arrives about Nov 4. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Mar 26 on average, or Mar 6 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 225 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 71999 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026